PLUGGING INTO E-WASTE RECYCLING
Dubai student Riva Tulpule has a long list of achievements but perhaps the ones closest to her heart are e-waste recycling and promoting menstrual hygiene among girls in rural areas of India
Riva Tulpule’s achievements- in academics and in extracurricular activities- are truly praiseworthy. The Grade 11 student at Gems Modern Academy is the recepient of a scholarship for academic excellence, is a member of the school basketball team, has represented her school in tennis, is training to be a kickboxer, plays the piano, was part of a 50-student team from across the UAE to graduate from a year-long Youth4Sustainibility program by Masdar last year, and has been recognised by Consulate General of India for her work during Covid pandemic and is an Ambassador for the NatureNeedsHeros campaign by Timberland. She has also bagged the 2020 Diana Award, the Eco Hero Award, the UNSDG Special Award at Middle East Youth
Expo and the 2019 Principal’s Special Social Entrepreneurship Award and the 2021 Principal’s special Award for work in Sustainability & Community work.
Apart from this all, the student finds time to pursue another passion- electronic waste recycling and spreading the message of menstrual hygiene.
EXCERPTS FROM AN INTERVIEW: What was the trigger that got you pursuing e-waste recycling?
After discovering a drawer overflowing with broken and used electronics in our home right before a move, I developed an interest in finding e-waste solutions when I was told that it could not be thrown away in a regular trash can. I did some research which made me aware of the harmful effects of disposing e-waste and its impact on the environment. Realising that like us, every household must be having such drawers and general lack of awareness of proper disposal of e-waste, I decided to take up the cause and start my initiative WeCareDXB.
Over the years how much of e-waste have you collected and recycled?
Since 2017, with the help of several student volunteers we have cleaned up and recycled over 40 tonnes of e-waste.
To date, what has been the biggest achievement for you in your mission of recycling waste?
It was in 2019, when I realized the power of teamwork. In just one and a half months, along with group of 7 friends, we were able to recycle around 20 tonnes of e-waste. That transformed my efforts from a solo initiative to a cohesive, unified platform that binds a large number of students together -- collectively, we strive for significant change.
You are also involved in community work in the field of menstrual health in rural India. What difference have you seen since you started your campaign?
“In tribal areas, menstruation is stigmatized and women express reluctance to even speak on the subject. Through the Menstrual Hygiene campaign, I was able to meet and interact with them - they eventually got comfortable enough to participate in an open discussion on the issue. Through the campaign, I sought to create awareness of the importance of menstrual hygiene amongst these girls and provide them with solutions. We were able to support 700 girls with a yearlong stock of sanitary pads - a big step in my journey to address their health and hygiene needs.
What do you plan on doing-academically and in social work?
I am eager to pursue my undergraduate studies in Business and Sustainability. Currently I’m also working on developing a student driven app which will enable and facilitate connectivity and participation of a large student network. It will help them connect and work together on various environmental causes.
You have spoken at several major venues. Tell us some of the most touching, heart-warming responses you received?
It is always very heart-warming when parents write to me to tell me that their child was inspired by my work and has taken up a meaningful social endeavor. It is a great feeling to witness so many students recognize the importance of e-waste recycling and join WeCareDXB as the first step of their activism. After my recent talk at the IRENA Conference I received two handmade cards made from e-waste with a beautiful message from two young students from my community. That felt special.